Objective: Although cochlear implantation is a relatively safe procedure, there is some reticence to subject elderly people, especially those with significant comorbidity, to the risks of general anesthesia. The purpose of the study was to explore the feasibility of cochlear implant surgery under local anesthesia and sedation in elderly people.
Study design: Case report study (Clinical Capsule Report).
Setting: Single tertiary academic referral center.
Patients: Seven elderly subjects with severe or severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing impairment underwent cochlear implantation under local anesthesia and sedation. All subjects had significant comorbidities with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification 3 to 4 and explicitly expressed their concerns regarding general anesthesia. The subjects were implanted with 24 mm straight electrode array devices via a modified suprameatal approach.
Interventions: Therapeutic.
Main outcome measure: The evaluation of a modified suprameatal approach for cochlear implant surgery under local anesthesia and sedation with respect to patient safety and compliance.
Results: Cochlear implantation under local anesthesia and sedation was successful and well tolerated in all subjects. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. Recovery was quick and all subjects were discharged on the first postoperative day. All subjects would opt again for the procedure under local anesthesia.
Conclusion: Cochlear implantation under local anesthesia and sedation was found to be feasible. The modified suprameatal approach lends itself for procedures under local anesthesia, because only minimal drilling is required. The application of this technique provides a safe alternative especially for the elderly with significant comorbidity and increased risks for general anesthesia.